Colitis can be quite uncomfortable and painful for your pet as it is the inflammation of the colon or large intestines. It is likely that their diet has something to do with them having colitis. Luckily, there are a lot of food options on the market that seek to specifically address this condition.
What is Colitis?
Colitis, as the name suggests, is the inflammation of the colon. The colon can also be called the lower or the larger intestine, and this is where stools are stored, water is absorbed, and further digestion happens. While it’s easy to prevent and treat, colitis can actually be a symptom of a health issue that’s more serious which may require another form of treatment.
Best Dog Food for Colitis: 7 Reviews
IAMS GRAIN FREE NATURALS Dry Dog Food
This grain free, all-natural dog food is rich in vitamins and nutrients that ensure your pet’s health while staying gentle on their stomach. It also has antioxidants that strengthen your dog’s immune system. It is high in protein to help your dog have stronger muscles.
Why It’s So Popular:
– All-natural
– Includes protein, vitamins, and antioxidants
– Grain free
– No artificial ingredients
Keep In Mind:
– Some dogs do not like it
Iams Veterinary Formula Intestinal Residue
This dog food is especially designed to manage all sorts of intestinal disorders including colitis. It can also be fed to your dog if they are experiencing other bowel problems such as constipation, gastroenteritis, and more.
Why It’s So Popular:
– Ideal for pet suffering from intestinal disorders, both chronic and acute
– Works as advertised
Keep In Mind:
– A bit pricey
Purina Veterinary Diets Canine DCO Dual Fiber Control
This dog food aids in managing the diet of dogs with colitis, as well as other intestinal problems like constipation and large bowel diarrhea. It has prebiotics designed to aid in intestinal health, as well as high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids which can help reduce bowel inflammations. The amount of calories included is also moderated in order to help you maintain your dog’s weight.
Why It’s So Popular:
– Includes prebiotic
– Reduced calorie content
– Highly palatable
– High amount of omega 3 fatty acids
Keep In Mind:
– A bit pricey
– Moderate fiber
ROYAL CANIN Canine Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry
This product has high amounts of fiber in order to prevent colitis in your dog. It also reduces inflammation because of the increased omega 3 fatty acids it contains. It is nutritionally balanced to help in keeping your dog’s digestive system healthy.
Why It’s So Popular:
– High in fiber
– Boosted omega 3 fatty acids
– Nutritionally balanced
Keep In Mind:
– Some dogs may not like it
Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Dry Dog Food
The grain-free options of this dog food are available in a variety of flavors which are all-natural and don’t have any artificial additives or ingredients. This dog food is also vitamin and mineral enriched in order to provide your dog with the nutrition that they need.
Why It’s So Popular:
– Grain free
– Gluten free
– No artificial ingredients
– Has added vitamins and minerals
– Variety of flavors (Beef, Potato, & Bison, Salmon & Sweet Potato, Turkey & Potato)
Keep In Mind:
– Some dogs might take time to adjust to the taste
The Honest Kitchen Perfect Form
The whole food ingredients of this product are only processed minimally and are specially made for dogs and cats that have colitis and other digestive problems. It is approved by the National Animal Supplement Counsel (NASC) and helps keep your pet’s gastrointestinal tract healthy.
Why It’s So Popular:
– Whole food ingredients
– Minimally processed
– No ingredients from China
– NASC approved
– Human grade
Keep In Mind:
– Supplement, not food
– Does not work on some dogs
Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Natural Dry Dog Food
This all-natural dog food has vitamins and minerals added to provide your pet with the nutrition that they need. It is also grain and gluten-free. It includes brown rice in its ingredients so it also has a fiber source to relieve your dog’s colitis.
Why It’s So Popular:
– Grain-free
– Gluten-free
– Has brown rice
– All-natural
– Nutrient-rich
Keep In Mind:
-Some dogs might take time to adjust to the taste
Quick Symptoms of Colitis
- Diarrhea
- Visible blood
- Mucus or slimy discharge is present
- Stools start normal then become loose
- Consistency is slimy rather than watery
- Not related to weight loss
- Involves straining
- Bowel movement has a sense of urgency
How Should I Feed My Dog If It Has Colitis?
Dogs diagnosed with colitis can be fed with foods that have a lot of top-quality fibers. If they are experiencing colitis because of a grain allergy, then you can look into providing them with a grain-free option, which you can find among the top dog food brands. Food allergies can also affect how your dog digests their food, so you may also want to consider getting food that has a low carbohydrate-protein ratio.
Cooked turkey and brown rice is a common resort for pet owners whose dogs are diagnosed with colitis because the rice is a good source of fiber, and this is a great diet option for those who plan to transition later to other kinds of dog food. You also have to pay more attention to best dry dog food for chronic colitis.
Causes of Colitis
Stress
Colitis can manifest when your dog is stressed, and there are a variety of reasons how this could happen. Some of the more common reasons is traveling, moving, or a home upheaval. A change in scenery is not always comfortable for our dogs, and their distress may manifest as a health concern like colitis. If you suspect that stress is the reason why your dog has been exhibiting symptoms of colitis, then you can help them by supporting them throughout the stressful event. Making your dog feel safe and comfortable can help them relax throughout the otherwise stressful event and if that doesn’t work, you can give them some probiotic supplements in order to relieve their symptoms.
Parasites or Infections
If your dog has been licking or eating from the ground a lot (which, knowing dogs, is very likely), then they may unknowingly pick up some parasites or infections that can affect their gut. And if this happens, then they may present themselves through colitis. These infections and parasites may include, but are not limited to, E.coli, Salmonella, and whipworms. You can reduce the risk of this happening by bringing a portable water bowl that your dog can drink from during a walk. Your veterinarian can help you address these parasites and infections by diagnosing what infected your dog through a stool sample and then prescribing the according treatment and medicine.
Allergies
Dogs can get allergies too, and if they are exposed to allergens in the home, outdoors, or even from their food, then they can also have colitis. If this is the case, you can seek help from your vet in order to determine what your dog is allergic to through a process of elimination. Afterwards, you can change their diet or their environment accordingly.
Others
If the reason does not seem to be any of the above, then it’s probably another disease that is affecting your dog’s colon and bowels. You may be made aware of its presence when none of the other plausible reasons is diagnosed as the reason for your dog’s colitis.
Conclusion
Changing your dog’s diet may aid in relieving their colitis, but remember to check on the larger problem that could be causing the colitis. You can ask help from your veterinarian in order to pinpoint the exact reason why they’re experiencing colitis in order for you to take the appropriate measures in relieving your dog.
My dog is 6 she has been on science w/d. She will not eat it now. She has colitis. When she gets it I give her a pill and then she eats that night. I am looking fora change in dry food.